Google Fiber will begin building its ultrafast network here next week and will start in one of western Louisville's historic neighborhoods.

Grace Simrall, who serves as Mayor Greg Fischer’s technology czar, confirmed that the Portland neighborhood will be first to receive the high-speed internet technology.

"I'm super excited this construction is about to begin," she said.

The company shared the news with city officials Wednesday morning. Google Fiber representatives would not elaborate on the details in an email Wednesday night, saying, “Google Fiber does not comment on when service will be provided to specific neighborhoods.”

The fiber-to-home construction will take place from 22nd Street to 30th Street and West Market to Bank streets on June 13. Google Fiber said in the email it will be filing requests for permits with the city and that neighbors will be notified in advance when they can expect service.

Metro Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton, who represents the Portland neighborhood, said there should be minimal disruption to the residents and should help spur further economic development and revitalization.

Hamilton, D-5th District, said she's excited about that the fiber optic network is coming to "a neighborhood desperately in need of high-speed internet access."

Simrall said the Newburg neighborhood is also slated to see Google Fiber installation around the same time as the Portland area.

Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin, who represents the Newburg area, said she has already noticed Google laying some of the groundwork. Shanklin, D-2nd, added she is glad to see "every area of the city move into the 21st century with better internet connections and service."

Supporters say an improved fiber network will greatly increase downloading speeds, including streaming movies. Fischer has touted Google Fiber as one that will be a boon for residents, local business and economic development.

The California-based company announced in April that it was going to build in Louisville despite months of speculation that it was pulling out. Google said it planned to test ways to deploy super-fast internet, with speeds about 20 times faster than conventional broadband.

Simrall said the city's so-called "One Touch Make Ready" ordinance played an instrumental role in attracting Google to the city despite the measure being entangled in federal court.

Spokesman Joe Burgan said AT&T is marketing the service across seven neighborhoods in western Louisville along with Shelby Park.

"This fiber deployment is part of more than $250 million AT&T has invested in our greater Louisville networks from 2014-2016 and our technicians are installing more every day," he said.

But the Fischer administration has thrown its weight behind legislation to attract Google Fiber, such as the controversial "One Touch Make Ready" measure, which allows companies to install their equipment on poles throughout Louisville Metro.

AT&T, along with Spectrum, filed a lawsuit against the city last fall saying the measure passed by the Metro Council is unlike any other in the U.S., and violates state and federal rules.

The suit argues the city has no jurisdiction to regulate pole attachments, and that the city is allowing third parties to temporarily seize AT&T and Spectrum's property without consent and in most cases without prior notice.

Simrall said the beginning construction for Google Fiber will only be in the ground due to the ongoing litigation.

It is also too early to say how much the service will cost customers – pricing and charges for Louisville have not been decided or announced, the email said – but Google representatives have said previously that it typically charges $70 a month for internet service and $130 a month for both internet and television service. Google Fiber also offers phone service as an add-on for $10 per month, the email said.

Reporter Phillip M. Bailey can be reached at 502-582-4475 or pbailey@courier-journal.com